Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings offer a perfect harmony of bold, sweet, and tangy flavors with a luscious caramelized brown sugar glaze and tropical pineapple zest. This easy-to-make appetizer features crispy chicken wings coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to parties. Customize the heat to your liking and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that’s irresistible and addictive.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs fresh or thawed chicken wings
Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the glaze adhere better and results in crispier skin. Split the wings at the joints if preferred for easier cooking and eating.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a syrupy, sticky glaze.
- Cook the Wings: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using the oven, arrange wings on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even crispiness and golden color. For skillet cooking, cook wings in batches without overcrowding until cooked through and crisp.
- Toss Wings in Glaze: Transfer cooked wings into a large bowl. Pour the warm sticky brown sugar pineapple glaze over the wings, tossing thoroughly so every piece is well-coated with the luscious sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the wings immediately for optimal texture. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Dry the wings thoroughly before cooking for crispier skin and better glaze adherence.
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible for enhanced sweetness and brightness.
- Simmer the glaze until thick and syrupy but avoid burning it to maintain a perfect sticky texture.
- Cook wings in batches to prevent overcrowding which can cause steaming rather than crisping.
- Let wings rest briefly before tossing in glaze to avoid the sauce sliding off too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 wings
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: sticky chicken wings, pineapple chicken wings, brown sugar wings, sweet and tangy wings, appetizer, party food, gluten free wings